CADE Capacity Development Programme for CSOs 2025–2026

10 December 2025
application deadline: 5 December
DiPLO

The Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) is strengthening the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) – especially those from the Global South – to play a stronger role in shaping digital policy. The programme, developed and delivered by DiploFoundation, guides participants through a practical, step-by-step learning journey that builds both technical knowledge and diplomatic skills, supported throughout by a flexible helpdesk service offering tailored expert advice.

Over the course of the programme, selected CSOs will:

  • Gain a stronger understanding of internet governance, infrastructure and standards, cybersecurity, AI policy, and digital policy processes.
  • Develop hands-on skills in negotiation, diplomacy, and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Have the opportunity to join a study visit to Geneva, Switzerland, the global hub of multilateral diplomacy.

How the programme works

The CADE programme is organised as a step-by-step journey, supported by a helpdesk.

1. Technical Knowledge Track (10 December 2025 – 31 March 2026)

Participants first strengthen their understanding of internet governance by completing the self-paced Internet Governance for CSOs. Participants who successfully complete the course then proceed to one in-depth interactive course from a choice of three specialised online courses, each of which includes cross-cutting themes such as human rights, inclusion, and sustainable development:

  • Infrastructure and Standards for CSOs
  • Cybersecurity Policy for CSOs
  • AI Policy and Practice for CSOs

Each course is composed of four modules and includes weekly Zoom meetings with the lecturers and facilitators. 

2. Diplomatic Skills Track (6 April 2026 – 31 May 2026)

After completing the Technical Knowledge Track, successful participants progress to developing core soft skills – including diplomacy, negotiation, compromise, and collaboration – through the Diplomacy and Negotiations for CSOs course which will equip them with the tools to engage constructively and influence outcomes in complex environments.

The ten most engaged and successful participants are then given the opportunity to travel to Geneva, one of the leading global hubs of multilateral diplomacy, for the International Geneva for CSOs: A Study Visit (Q4 2026). 

3. Fast-track Helpdesk Support for CSOs (Ongoing)

Along the journey, a fast-track solution provides helpdesk support for CSOs to help address specific challenges and opportunities in international internet governance forums such as the IETF, ICANN, the IGF, and ITU. Through tailored one-hour online consultations with experts, participants can request to receive practical guidance from CADE’s pool of experts, enabling them to overcome procedural hurdles, sharpen policy positions, and enhance their participation in complex digital policy processes.

Who should apply

We welcome applications from CSOs committed to inclusive, rights-based, and sustainable digital development. We are particularly looking for CSOs that demonstrate:

  1. Commitment to sustainability: A consistent and long-term approach to effective, responsible, and transparent operations.
  2. Alignment with CADE’s themes: Work that supports human rights, inclusion, and sustainable development in the digital space.
  3. Potential for growth and impact: A clear drive to innovate, expand, and engage more deeply in digital policy processes.
  4. Bridge-building spirit: Experience in collaboration and dialogue across sectors, regions, or stakeholder groups.
  5. Representation of the Global South and gender balance: We strongly encourage applications from CSOs based in the Global South, especially those led by or represented by women.
  6. Focus on priority groups: Organisations that work with or represent rights-based, accessibility, inclusion, gender, or youth communities.
  7. Commitment to the whole journey: Readiness and motivation to take part in all stages of the programme.

Overview

The Technical Knowledge Track

The programme consists of several stages, starting with the Technical Knowledge Track. Under this track, the self-paced course Internet Governance for CSOs introduces the main dimensions of digital policy from a civil society perspective. It explores how global and regional processes impact national realities and community work, and how organisations can contribute to shaping fair, inclusive, and rights-respecting digital environments. The course covers six interconnected modules:

  • Module 1. The foundations of internet governance and why it matters for CSOs
  • Module 2. The infrastructure that underpins the internet
  • Module 3. Human rights and sociocultural dimensions of the digital environment
  • Module 4. Cybersecurity challenges
  • Module 5. Legal and economic dimensions of internet governance
  • Module 6. Actors and processes in digital governance

Participants who successfully complete this course can proceed to an in-depth interactive course in one of three specialisations:

  • Infrastructure and Standards for CSOs equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to engage in policy and technical debates on internet infrastructure, advocate for transparency and accountability, and connect governance issues to rights and sustainability. It combines conceptual understanding with applied learning, examining how infrastructure enables connectivity, how critical internet resources are managed, how technical standards shape access and interoperability, and how sustainability and rights-based approaches can guide infrastructure governance. Over four modules, participants explore the key dimensions of digital infrastructure governance:
    • Module 1. Infrastructure, interconnection, and access
    • Module 2. Critical internet resources: names, numbers, routing, and root elements
    • Module 3. Technical standards and governance
    • Module 4. Sustainable, rights-based infrastructure governance
  • Cybersecurity Policy for CSOs equips participants with the understanding and skills needed to engage constructively in cybersecurity debates, promote accountability, and contribute to secure and inclusive digital governance. It combines conceptual learning with practical application, exploring how cybersecurity is defined and governed, how law and diplomacy support stability, how cooperation combats cybercrime and protects users, and how rights-based approaches ensure that security strengthens, rather than constrains, civic space. Over four modules, participants explore the key dimensions of cybersecurity governance:
    • Module 1. Understanding cybersecurity and its policy dimensions
    • Module 2. Cybersecurity, international peace and stability
    • Module 3. Cybercrime, online safety and international cooperation
    • Module 4. Building inclusive and rights-based cybersecurity governance

       
  • AI Policy and Practice for CSOs helps participants to understand, navigate, and influence these changes. It explores how AI policy is developed, what governance frameworks shape it, and how CSOs can engage effectively and ethically in AI-related decision-making. The course is an in-depth, guided online course comprising four interconnected modules and weekly Zoom sessions with lecturers and facilitators. Each module combines policy learning with hands-on application, enabling participants to connect AI governance debates to their own advocacy work. The four modules are:
    • Module 1. AI foundations and narratives
    • Module 2. AI in global and regional policy processes
    • Module 3. AI risks and governance frameworks
    • Module 4. From chatbots to advocacy tools

Participants who successfully complete their specialisation can continue their learning journey by developing their diplomatic and negotiation skills.

The Diplomatic Skills Track 

CSOs are vital voices in shaping inclusive and accountable digital policy. Effective participation in global and regional forums, however, depends not only on technical knowledge but also on diplomacy, negotiation, and collaboration. Under this track, the online course Diplomacy and Negotiations for CSOs strengthens these essential skills, helping participants engage with credibility, build alliances, and influence complex policy environments. The course explores the foundations of diplomatic engagement, negotiation strategy, coalition-building, conflict mediation, and sustained influence beyond the negotiation room. Through interactive exercises, simulations, and weekly Zoom sessions, participants will develop practical tools to navigate multistakeholder digital governance processes with both principle and pragmatism. The four modules are:

  • Module 1. Engaging in the policy arena: actors, authority and respect
  • Module 2. Negotiation essentials: preparation and concessions
  • Module 3. Building alliances: coalitions and mediation
  • Module 4. From dialogue to influence: strategies and follow-up

The ten most engaged and high-performing participants across the entire programme will be invited to travel to Geneva – one of the world’s leading centres of multilateral diplomacy – for International Geneva for CSOs: A Study Visit.

Along the journey, dedicated helpdesk support for CSOs offers tailored one-hour online consultations with experts on policy, procedural, and participation issues the participants may have while navigating the various digital policy spaces.

Fees and scholarships

The CADE Capacity Development Programme for CSOs 2025–2026 is funded by the European Union. Full scholarships will be awarded to the selected participants.

Learn more about CADE at https://cadeproject.org

How to apply

Applications are open now for the 2025–2026 cycle. Places are limited, and selection will be based on the strength of applications and alignment with the above criteria.

To apply, please complete the application form by 5 December 2025.

Registration link
Course page